The Cambridge Society of Dorset is a well-established group dating from 1984 with a lively membership of over 120.  Each year we offer a varied programme of talks and visits to places of interest around the County. These usually include an opportunity for informal social gatherings and a convivial meal.

All Cambridge alumni are warmly welcomed to join these events, as are their partners and guests. We also enjoy reciprocal invitations from adjacent counties which extends our range of contacts and events. Those considering joining are encouraged to come to any events of interest.

Recent speakers have included Dr Michael Cook on the Ghost Writings of former Cambridge Vice Chancellor M R James, Rev Helen Williams on the pleasures and challenges of hosting Ukrainian refugees, and Bob Mizon on Dark Skies: the impact of light pollution.  We have visited Wolfeton House, the Elizabethan mansion with connections to Thomas Hardy, and plan a visit to Dean’s Court, Wimborne for home of the present owner’s family for nearly five centuries.  There will be a summer garden party for members and potential members.

Our flagship event is the Annual Lunch at the end of October for which we usually invite a notable speaker with links to the University. Last year Prof David McKitterick, formerly librarian at Trinity College, spoke on Printers, Readers and the Transformation of Books, and we look forward to his return to lead a discussion on the future of the written word. In 2023 we will be hosting Dr Gordon Plant, a neuro-opthalmologist, Cambridge graduate, formerly of the National Hospital for Neurological Diseases and Moorfields Eye Hospital, who will talk on “How Eye Disease affected the Styles of Great Painters”. An up to date programme of events is posted on our website.

The Society always needs fresh input and welcomes enquiries from those interested in joining our group as well as new ideas and suggestions for future activities. These can be made via the Email Group link shown below